Total pages in book: 202
Estimated words: 193561 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 968(@200wpm)___ 774(@250wpm)___ 645(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 193561 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 968(@200wpm)___ 774(@250wpm)___ 645(@300wpm)
Some of the gifts Erica opened are expensive. Some of them are handmade. There have been happy faces of all ages here, though the few children who came were here just to say hello and have birthday cake, it seems, and then they left.
Grey said there are a lot more kids in the pack than those who came by, and that there are family parties as well as adults only parties, depending on the occasion. I’m in awe of seeing so many healthy, happy faces of all ages.
He has been good about sticking close, but so many have been coming over to greet him and obviously also to meet me that it’s made me feel a little claustrophobic. He’s got so much respect, it seems. He’s well loved. I know if I wasn’t so nervous and out of my element that I’d feel nothing but pride being on his arm.
“I need the restroom,” I say softly as Atticus and Lucy Savage leave our table. They’re Riley Savage’s parents and they were both very friendly.
“Need me to walk you there?” he asks with affection, squeezing my leg.
“I think I’ll try to do this all by myself,” I say. “Try not to break my ankles, that is…”
He looks concerned.
I wave it off. “A joke,” I say. “I’m fine; back in a minute.”
He squeezes my hand with affection and kisses my throat before I walk toward the nearest restroom, which is down the hall at the back of the space.
“Come dance with us when you get back,” Erica, the birthday girl, calls to me.
Her cheeks are flushed, and she looks like she’s having a lot of fun. Even if I knew how to dance, I couldn’t while wearing these shoes. The balls of my feet feel like they’re on fire and I’ve got blisters forming on the back of both heels. But I like the idea of dancing with friends. The girls on the dance floor look like they’re having fun.
Once I’m in the restroom and have used the facilities, I take a minute alone in the stall to take a few deep breaths.
This wasn’t so bad. I’ve faced everyone I’ve wronged, and nobody seems to be holding a grudge. The man named Lorenzo told me he hears I make special treats, and I can make up for the pie incident by making him some of those.
I felt beyond awkward but appreciated the effort he made. The other two alphas that got the herb both came over to greet us and seem like they’re holding no ill will. Even Finnegan said hello and gave me a smile. It seemed a little forced, but I suspected he’s trying to make up for upsetting Grey. And maybe he was just nervous about coming near Grey after upsetting him.
I’m glad I came, because I’ve seen what’s possible here. It hasn’t even been the entire pack here tonight. I’m filled with so much hope for my people back home. I’m excited about the possibilities, though terrified of what might have to happen to get us there. I’m also hopeful for me.
A future here. With Grey. With friends. Maybe even with a family of our own.
I place my hand on my belly and hope. I hope hard I’ll get to be pregnant soon, that I can have the experience with Ivy and Amie. That our kids will grow up together to build a strong bond.
While daydreaming about this, I hear someone come in.
Taking one more deep breath, I exit the stall and move to the sink to wash my hands beside an attractive, tall blonde who is at the mirror applying lipstick and studying my reflection.
“Hello,” she greets sunnily. “We haven’t met yet.”
“Hello. Stacy Meadows.”
“You mean Blackwood,” she corrects. “I’m Sherry Creed.”
“Right. I keep forgetting about my new last name. Creed? Are you related to Jase?”
“Jason’s my older brother,” she advises, then plants her hand on her waist and leans on one foot. “So, question…how many of our pack members got your special brew?”
I’m taken aback.
“You know…” She holds her index and middle fingers on both hands up to draw air quotes. “Special brew.” She winks.
“I… three. But I –”
“Because I’d love to know what you used. I can think of a few people I’d love to brew a little something.” She cackles evilly.
And I’m thrown. Is this supposed to be a joke?
“Chances are, you’ll get away with not ever having to cook for one of these things though, huh? They’ll ask you to bring napkins or paper plates. My mother had us cooking at the crack of dawn today for this. Ugh. Hate domestic shit. Chipped a nail peeling carrots.”
She examines her manicure with irritation.
“Well, it was nice to meet you. I should…” I gesture to the door.
“So, is Grey an absolute animal in bed or what? Heard you two were shift-fucking in the woods the other night and that it was insanely hot to watch.”